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Synthroid
Recently been diagnosed with a 5mm nodule on my gland and hypothyroid.Having issues with unexplained weight gain etc.Being more of a supplement person instead of meds I am concerned about starting Synthroid. I've done alot ofresearch and it's gets been more confusing as to whether armour is better or not.Seems like you need to be a guinea pig to see which works better-Can anyone advise me on their experiences on both/either.I started menopause almost 3yrs ago and right before that is when all he'll broke loose.I have started on Synthroid this week.
Make sure to request tests for Free T3 and free t4, along with TSH, every time you go in to the doctor. If the doctor resists and makes excuses as to why it is not necessary, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer. When test results are available, get a copy of the lab report and post results and reference ranges shown on the report and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.
Thank you for your response.I have chosen to use Synthroid and hopefully this will be the answer for me.I will be seen in six weeks and be reevaluated.I have a nodule on my thyroid which I hope shrinks.Perhaps I can get my weight in order-although menopause seems to be adding to the dilemma.Take care
It would help members try to give you a good assessment if you will post your thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.
As for Synthroid versus Armour, it really depends on how your body converts T4 to T3, and also your level of Free T3, which is the thyroid hormone that largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. If your body converts T4 adequately then it is easier to dose with T4 meds; however, hypo patients frequently need a supplemental source of T3. That source can be either a T3 type like Cytomel, or a combo T4/T3 type like Armour. A lot of patients don't recognize or understand the underlying causes, they just notice that the T3 meds work better for them.
Keep in mind that a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. Test results are valuable mainly during diagnosis, and then afterward to track your FT3 and FT4 levels as meds are revised to relieve symptoms.
As for Synthroid versus Armour, it really depends on how your body converts T4 to T3, and also your level of Free T3, which is the thyroid hormone that largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. If your body converts T4 adequately then it is easier to dose with T4 meds; however, hypo patients frequently need a supplemental source of T3. That source can be either a T3 type like Cytomel, or a combo T4/T3 type like Armour. A lot of patients don't recognize or understand the underlying causes, they just notice that the T3 meds work better for them.
Keep in mind that a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. Test results are valuable mainly during diagnosis, and then afterward to track your FT3 and FT4 levels as meds are revised to relieve symptoms.
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